Ironman (album)

Infobox Album
Name = Ironman
Type = Album
Artist = Ghostface Killah


Released = October 29, 1996
Recorded = 1996
Genre = Hip hop
Length = 67:12
Label = Razor Sharp/Epic Street/SME Records
EK 67729 (North America, first pressing)
EK 67955 (North America, second pressing)
485389 (Europe)
Producer = RZA
True Master
Reviews =
*Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:kxfpxqlhldke link]
*Entertainment Weekly B+
*Q Rating|3|5
*Rolling Stone Rating|3.5|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/127097/review/5943514?utm_source=Rhapsody&utm_medium=CDreview link]
*The Source Rating|4|5
*Spin Magazine rating-10|7
Last album =
This album = "Ironman"
(1996)
Next album = "Supreme Clientele"
(2000)Singles
Name = Ironman
Type = studio
single 1 = Daytona 500
single 1 date = 1996
single 2 = All That I Got Is You
single 2 date = 1996

"Ironman" is the debut album by American Hip-hop artist and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. Compared to other first generation solo albums released by Wu-Tang members, the LP is slightly different, owing much of its thematic scope, mythology and samples from classic 1960s and 1970s blaxploitation as well as Kung Fu films. It is also notable for being considerable more open in its references to the Nation of Gods and Earths and the Clan's beliefs.

Album information

Though a solo, the album is filled with Wu-Tang collaborations and only two tracks ("Wildflower", "Poisonous Darts") feature Ghostface on his own. The two most prominently featured artists are Raekwon and Cappadonna, who accompany Ghost and have their names featured on the album's cover.

Contrary to the earlier Wu-Tang solo albums, in which the emcees involved were believed to be infallible, Ghostface is ironically very "human" and quite vulnerable in "Ironman". This is perhaps best illustrated with the album's second single, "All That I Got Is You", essentially a song Ghostface composed as a tribute to his mother. On this album, Ghostface discovers a new and highly praised lyrical style, rhyming with a unique uptempo, stream-of-consciousness, which he would continue to utilize on his highly acclaimed second album "Supreme Clientele". Meanwhile, producer RZA combines his dark keyboard tones and early-70s soul samples, heavily used on "Liquid Swords" and "Only Built for Cuban Linx" respectively, to engender a soulful and melodic yet dark and harsh feel that would later influence many other Wu-Tang releases, such as "Wu-Tang Forever" and "Uncontrolled Substance", as well as numerous other East Coast artists.

Reception

The album found considerably large success within the rap underground, enough to debut at number two on the pop charts upon its release. The album has since been certified Platinum.

"Professional reviews":

*Rolling Stone (12/12/96, p.82) - 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - "After defining the music's rhythm in his dusted, offbeat, signature style, RZA emphasizes simple, precise percussion and bass thuds that are augmented by moody traces of lush strings, baroque riffs and samples from ’60s soul records."

*Spin (2/97, p.90) - 7 (out of 10) - "Ghostface raps a more explosive variant of the chippy, Wu-Tang rhyme combinations....This guy just sounds mean—brutal, skilled, and unpredictable. As usual, [RZA] provides awesomely dark and eccentric backdrops for the MC’s dark maneuvers."

*Entertainment Weekly (11/08/96, p.69) - "The latest from the Wu-Tang Clan member finds Ghostface talking vehemently about sex, politics, and sexual politics...." - Rating: B+

*Q (6/00, p.123) - 3 stars out of 5 - "More about lyrical finesse than anything else. 'Daytona 500' is a maginifcent, fast-paced testing of skills with Raekwon and Cappadonna...everything is delivered with tongue-twisting Wu-Tang virtuosity that untangles with every listen."

*The Wire (10/01, p.46) - "A masterpiece...Raekwon and Ghost raise the slang bar quickly, analogizing various mysterious practices to various foods."

*Vibe (12/96, p.186) - "Ghostface bangs out sarcastic, street-camouflaged wildness...If "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx"...had you open, prepare for another gaping wound."

*The Source (12/96, p.124) - 4 Mics (out of 5) - "Introspective lyrics, haunting melodies and intense emotional moments... [The] RZA does another masterful job, topping himself in terms of sonic diversity..."

*Rap Pages (1/97, p.25) - "Yet another tangled web of expectations-bashing yarns; an exhilarating listen...with moments to inspire both cardiopulmonary palpitations and contemplative nods..."Ironman" is the Wu banger to challenge your demands and ultimately win you over..."

*NME (12/21-28/96, pp.66-67) - Ranked #29 in NME's 1996 critics' poll.

Track listing

*All tracks produced by the RZA with the exception of "Fish", produced by True Master.

*"The Soul Controller" was removed from later releases of the album due to the sample it contained.

Charts

References